40 Days of Grace (Day 20): Giving Up vs. Taking Up During Lent

The sacred season of Lent is often seen as a time to give up certain pleasures, but its true purpose is transformation. It’s not just about temporary sacrifice—it’s about making real, lasting changes that bring us closer to God. 

While giving up bad habits is essential, true growth happens when we replace them with good, life-giving habits.If we only focus on what we are giving up but fail to fill that space with something better, we risk falling back into the same old patterns once Easter arrives. Instead, let this Lenten season be a time of true conversion, where you not only let go of what is harmful but also embrace what is holy.

What to Give Up and What to Take Up

Here are a few bad habits you can give up and a few good habits you can replace them with during this Lenten season:

1. Give Up Late Nights Watching Netflix and Partying → Take Up Going to Bed Early

 Staying up late watching Netflix or attending late-night parties often leads to exhaustion, making it harder to wake up early the next day.Replace this habit by setting an earlier bedtime, especially on Saturday nights, so you can wake up refreshed and be on time for Sunday Mass.

2. Give Up Toxic Friendships → Take Up God-Centred Friendships

If certain friendships lead you away from God—whether through gossip, peer pressure, or bad influences—this is the time to step away.Replace them by joining a youth group, Bible study class, or Christian community where you can build friendships that encourage your faith and personal growth.

3. Give Up Music with Bad Lyrics → Take Up Music That Inspires

If you often listen to songs filled with profanity, negativity, or messages that don’t align with your faith, consider a change.Start listening to Christian music, hymns, or even instrumental worship songs that uplift your spirit and draw you closer to God.

4. Give Up Complaining and Negativity → Take Up Gratitude and Encouragement

Many of us have a habit of complaining—about work, family, or life in general. Negativity only drains our energy and makes us ungrateful.Instead, practise gratitude. Start a journal where you write three things you are thankful for each day. Also, make an effort to speak encouraging words to others.

5. Give Up Spending Excessive Time on Social Media → Take Up Prayer and Scripture Reading

Scrolling mindlessly through social media can consume hours without adding any real value to your life.Reduce the amount of time you spend on social media and use the free time that you gain for prayer, reading Scripture, or listening to a spiritual podcast. Even dedicating just 15-30 minutes daily can make a huge difference in your relationship with God.

6. Give Up Procrastination → Take Up Discipline and Productivity

Putting off important tasks—whether it's work, studies, or even prayer—can lead to stress and missed opportunities.Replace procrastination with discipline. Set daily goals, manage your time wisely, and prioritise activities that bring you closer to your purpose.

7. Give Up Impure Thoughts and Actions → Take Up Purity and Self-Control

If you struggle with impure thoughts, inappropriate content, or unhealthy relationships, this is the time to surrender them to God.Replace them with habits that promote purity—read books or listen to talks on chastity, pray for strength, and surround yourself with people who uphold the same values.

Beyond Lent: A Lasting Change

Lent is not just about temporary sacrifices but about forming habits that last beyond these 40 days. Ask yourself:

Am I giving this up just for Lent, or am I truly letting go of it for good?

Am I taking up this habit just for now, or am I sincerely committing to real growth?

By the time Easter comes, you should be able to look back and say, “I have truly changed.” Let this Lenten season be a time where you don’t just give up but also take up something that transforms your life.

By Catholic Connect Reporter